AKEBONO discoloration after brake bedding procedure!!!
 

After doing the brake bedding procedure to get rid of minor brake judder, and possible brake pad deposits on the rotor, my calipers turned a different color from all the Heat. They got smoking hot and the smell was pretty bad. I did do several more than the recommended 10 stop and go passes, never experiencing brake fade, but I never expected this to happen. After 8 plus years of regularly going through threads on g37 forum I've never heard or seen it happen before. It's not the first time I've done the procedure, and a quick search didn't provide any answers. I'm not exactly happy about it..... All original parts. I bought the car new. 2013 SDN

Brake overheating happens more than G37/370Z enthusiasts may think. Proper bedding of the brakes is always a good idea.
Over the years I have seen so many G37/370Z owners with discolored Akebono brake calipers from sun damage and overheating. Installing a brake cooling kit like or similar to the Stillen brake cooling kit is always a wise choice as there are many benefits rather if you track your G37 or not. Reducing rotor temperature, decreasing brake fade and braking distance,reducing the risk of “ice mode”,etc. The Akebono brake calipers are expensive to replace so, a good alternative would be to have your Akebono brake calipers power coated. The discolored Akebono brake calipers do not look appealing. Check your rotors for heat damage as well. If you have excessive brake dust or contaminates on your brakes remove your wheels and use brake cleaner to clean them. What brake pads are you currently using??

My Stillen brake cooling kit. Brake cleaners can found at your favorite local auto parts store or store like Walmart or Wally World.

Centric rotors on StopTech Street pads. Rotors look good. I had a brake refresh in mind. My brakes were feeling a little sluggish. My plan was to clear the rotors from uneven deposits, clean/lube contact points and change the fluid. I have done this many times before minus the caliper discoloration. I daily my car. I won't ever reach half it's braking limits. I don't plan on fixing it any time soon.... Just not happy...Oh well

Calipers got hot, paint will change color, nothing new.

But, calipers shouldn’t get this hot for break-in procedure? Lol were you doing like 100-0 like 15 times straight?

Huh? Sun damage?

I just happen to own 2 akebono equipped Infiniti, one being a much heavier and more powerful FX50, I don’t see any caliper paint deterioration due to sun damage.

After the second or third run my brakes have always cleared up. Why did you do so many? Who recommended 10?

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...8193f7c2a0.jpg

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Happened to my R35 GTR Brembos on my 5th lap at ACS. The type of fluid you use makes a big difference and lowers the boiling point. I would use Motul 5.1 or ATE 200 for the street.

I’m not gonna lie... the gold looks pretty dope.

:iagree:

Brakes hot enough to smell bad are well-overheated.

I would be doing 2 things now .....

1. Change the brake fluid 'cos it has had a severe beating
2. Pull the pads and check the caliper dust seals 'cos they have probably melted and you'll get brake dust and cr4p onto the piston and next time you fit new pads, that cr4p will ruin the caliper seals (ask me how I know). If so, factor in dust seal replacement and piston cleaning at next pad change.

The bedding procedure also says "drive the car with minimal brake usage - consistent with safety - for a minimum 20 minutes to cools the braking system" - did you do that ?

Brakes hot enough to smell bad are well-overheated.

I would be doing 2 things now .....

1. Change the brake fluid 'cos it has had a severe beating
2. Pull the pads and check the caliper dust seals 'cos they have probably melted and you'll get brake dust and cr4p onto the piston and next time you fit new pads, that cr4p will ruin the caliper seals (ask me how I know). If so, factor in dust seal replacement and piston cleaning at next pad change.

The bedding procedure also says "drive the car with minimal brake usage - consistent with safety - for a minimum 20 minutes to cools the braking system" - did you do that ?

Posted this on the same thread, but on the G37 forums. Mine got like that after repeated sessions on the track - it's just heat discoloration. I assume the silver paint isn't as heat resistant as the red or grey paint on the Nissans, or just a by-product of them being silver.

https://i.imgur.com/3Y9zGmJ.jpg

Per the recommended advice above, I'd probably change the brake fluid. I run Motul RBF600 in my car simply because it sees the track, but you probably won't need that.

I recommend you rebuild your calipers or have them rebuilt you without a doubt damaged all the non metal parts. Rebuild kits are relatively cheap. Least the only thing you destroyed was that, I can only imagine how bad this would have been if the brakes boiled or failed entirely.

Bleeding the brakes would be a good idea. Check the dust seals to see if they are cooked and brittle. If they are. Change them. As for rebuilding the calipers. That would be an option. I know a few trackrats that cooked the seals and haven't rebuilt the calipers. Just changed the dust seals.